Bhai Dayala Ji

Life and Martyrdom of Bhai Dayala Ji

Bhai Dayala Ji, also known as Bhai Dayal Das, was one of the early and great martyrs of the Sikh faith. He was martyred in Delhi alongside the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, and his fellow Sikhs — Bhai Mati Das Ji and Bhai Sati Das Ji.

Early Life

Bhai Dayala Ji was born in Village Kalla (District Tarn Taran) to Bhai Laal Chand Ji and Mata Chandka Ji. The family was well-off and engaged in farming. From his childhood, Bhai Dayala Ji was deeply devoted to the Guru’s house, following in his father’s footsteps as a true servant of Sikh principles.

Service to the Guru

Bhai Dayala Ji accompanied Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji to Delhi in 1664 when the Guru was summoned by Emperor Aurangzeb. Later, he became one of the closest companions of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

He was appointed as the leader of the sangat (holy congregation) at Patna Sahib and was made in charge of all the Masands (local representatives) in the eastern region. When the Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, was born in Patna, it was Bhai Dayala Ji who sent the joyous news to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, who was then in Dhaka.

He, along with Bhai Kirpal Chand Ji, helped in taking care of the infant Gobind Rai (later Guru Gobind Singh Ji). He stayed with Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and the Guru family at Lakhnaur and later at Anandpur Sahib.

Journey to Delhi

In 1675, when Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji decided to sacrifice his life for the protection of faith and humanity, he set out for Delhi. Accompanying him were Bhai Dayala Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, and Bhai Sati Das Ji.

Martyrdom

Upon reaching Delhi, Aurangzeb put immense pressure on Guru Sahib and his Sikhs to accept Islam. After Bhai Mati Das Ji was brutally executed by being sawn alive, Bhai Dayala Ji too was questioned about whether he would accept Islam.

Bhai Dayala Ji boldly declared:

“I will never accept Islam. I live and die as a Sikh of Guru Nanak. I shall gladly sacrifice my head for Sikh faith but will never forsake my dharam.”

Hearing this fearless answer, Aurangzeb ordered Bhai Dayala Ji to be tortured. He was tied in chains and made to stand in a large cauldron filled with boiling water.

As he was lowered into the boiling water, Bhai Dayala Ji began reciting Japji Sahib with unshaken faith. Chanting the sacred words of Guru Nanak, he embraced martyrdom with peace and dignity.

On 11 November 1675, Bhai Dayala Ji attained martyrdom, giving his life for the cause of religious freedom and righteousness.

Descendants and Memorial

Bhai Dayala Ji’s son was Bhai Saida. His descendants later settled in various villages including Saedpur, Jainpur, Gopipur, Kotli, Pul, and Kang (in present-day Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts).

Mata Chandka Ji’s samadh (memorial) still exists outside Village Kalla. She was a deeply spiritual woman, regarded by many as an embodiment of divine power, and people continue to visit her samadh to seek blessings.

Conclusion

The martyrdom of Bhai Dayala Ji is not only a shining chapter in Sikh history but also a universal symbol of the struggle for truth, justice, and freedom of conscience. His sacrifice, alongside Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and other companions, remains an eternal source of inspiration for Sikhs and humanity at large.